'Let's Eat' actors playing just the right roles

Actors starring in the second season of tvN's "Let's Eat" are joined at a group interview at the M Academy in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul, Monday. From left are Yoon Du-jun, Seo Hyun-jin and Kwon Yul. / Courtesy of CJ E&M

By Kwon Ji-youn

Yoon Du-jun, Seo Hyun-jin and Kwon Yul seem to have finally found clothes that fit.

The three stars of season two of "Let's Eat" are truly enjoying acting in a groundbreaking series based on the brass tacks of single life and the food that accompanies it.

"My character on Let's Eat most resembles my intrinsic personality," Seo told reporters at a press event, Monday. "I didn't realize how much fun shooting a lively and comical drama could be."

Cable network tvN's new spin-off depicts character Koo Dae-young's story as he moves to Sejong City, where he befriends his new neighbors. They include a freelance writer (Seo) and a civil servant (Kwon). Koo, portrayed by Yoon, appeared in the first season set in Seoul with actress Lee Soo-kyung.

"We chose Sejong because we wanted Koo to relish a fresh start after his break-up with Lee," producer Park Joon-hwa said. "And Sejong is filled with single-person households, which made it suitable for our drama."

The first episode of Let's Eat aired on April 6 amid worries that a second season would only tarnish the success of the first. But all three actors said they can feel interest building as the episodes pile up.

"After the Indian curry episode aired last year, the production crew began craving it, which means our acting was fairly persuasive," Yoon said. "When we visit restaurants, the owners seem especially pleased to see us and to watch us eat. It's encouraging."

To producer Park, the food eaten is as important as the actors.

"We select dishes that our viewers enjoy regularly, so that just by watching the drama they can feel their mouths water," he said. "We use tight angles and extra lighting to make the food look as good as it tastes. But our drama is not just about eating -- it's about relationships and how dining together delivers the warmth of human presence."

Seo, in particular, has attempted drastic adjustments in her acting. The 30-year-old idol-turned-actress said she is enjoying the change.

"I've finally gotten a taste of romantic comedy and how much fun it can be," she said.

Kwon has been given a new nickname on Let's Eat for his constant cursing ― "foul-mouther" ― which he says viewers seem to enjoy.

"But other than that, my character is perhaps too thoughtful and caring, which can sometimes be a tad embarrassing," he added.

Yoon's devotion to the drama has put him on the theoretical cast credits for a season 10.

"If the time and circumstances allow, I would be grateful to star in the 10th season," Yoon said. "This drama has been a great experience for me and it'll bring back a lot of good memories."

As the drama revolves around three singletons, the actors have referenced their own lives and the lives of friends and family to frame convincing characters.

"I used to live with the other members of BEAST, but now I live alone, which can get lonely," he said. Yoon is the leader of the boy band. "But with time, I've come to appreciate the perks of living alone."

Five episodes have now aired and the next few are set to build on a love triangle, which has been put on the back burner as of late.

"The relationship among the three characters has been developing naturally, and they will get to know each other even better in episodes to come," producer Park said.

Both the actors and the production crew expressed satisfaction with the way the directing, shooting and acting has been progressing, and pledged not to wrap the season up too hastily.

"The shooting will speed up soon, but we will do our best not to miss any important details," Park said. "Because the crew and actors get along so well the overall experience has been very pleasant, and we hope it stays that way. I'm very satisfied with Let's Eat season two so far."

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